What’s happening?
Carers Queensland is inviting unpaid carers in Rockhampton to share their lived experiences as part of a statewide consultation process.
The peak body representing unpaid carers is seeking feedback through an online survey and face-to-face community sessions. The aim is to better understand the realities of caring, including the challenges carers face, the support they need and the changes they want to see.
The feedback will help inform Carers Queensland’s submission to the Queensland Government as part of the review of the Carer Recognition Act 2008.
The consultation is also open to carers across Murgon, Cherbourg and Townsville regions, with sessions planned across regional Queensland.
Why it matters?
Unpaid carers play a major role in homes, families and communities across Queensland, often while balancing their own work, study, health and family needs.
Carers Queensland CEO Jim Toohey said the process was about hearing directly from people who understand caring best.
“Every caring experience is unique, and we want to hear directly from carers about what is working, what isn’t, and what changes would make the greatest difference to their lives,” Mr Toohey said.
“These conversations are about understanding the lived experiences of carers and ensuring their voices are reflected in future policy and support initiatives.
“With the Carer Recognition Act currently under review, there is also an important opportunity for carers to help shape how unpaid caring is recognised and valued into the future.”
Mr Toohey said carers provided strong social, emotional and economic value to Queensland communities.
“Carers provide enormous social, emotional and economic value to Queensland communities, with the contribution of unpaid carers recently estimated at more than $11 billion annually.
“Gathering this feedback is an opportunity for carers to let us know what matters most and what needs to change to better recognise and support caring roles across Queensland.”
Local Impact
The consultation gives them a direct way to raise local issues and share what support would make a difference.
The Rockhampton session will start at 10 am on 15 June at Rockhampton Leagues Club. It will be one of several regional sessions, with Murgon hosting a session on 17 June at Murgon Town Hall and Townsville hosting one on 19 June at Brothers Leagues Club.
Carers can register through the Carers Queensland website. The first 50 registered participants will receive either a $50 gift voucher on the day or eligibility to take part in Enhance Care.
Enhance Care provides technology support to help carers receive real-time updates about the wellbeing of the person they care for. Carers Queensland said the offer represents a significant saving for eligible participants who may benefit from that technology.
By the numbers
- More than $11 billion is the recent annual estimate of the unpaid contribution carers make to Queensland communities.
- The Rockhampton consultation will begin at 10 am on 15 June at Rockhampton Leagues Club.
- The consultation period closes on 30 June 2026, giving carers until then to register, attend or complete the survey.
Zoom In
Carers Queensland is seeking views from carers across different backgrounds, ages and communities.
That includes First Nations carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, young carers and older carers. The aim is to make sure the review reflects the different ways caring happens across Queensland.
“We are encouraging carers from all backgrounds and communities to participate, including First Nations carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, young carers and older carers.
“Carers are everywhere. Their unpaid contribution is enormous and is critical to the foundations of many publicly funded social and health programs.
“This is an opportunity for all Queenslanders to see that they receive the recognition and support they deserve,” Mr Toohey said.
Zoom Out
The review of the Carer Recognition Act 2008 comes at a time when unpaid caring remains central to many public health and social support systems.
For regional communities such as Rockhampton, the process gives local carers a chance to be heard in a broader Queensland policy review.
It also places lived experience at the centre of future discussions about carer recognition, support and practical change.
What To Look For Next?
Carers Queensland will gather feedback until 30 June 2026 before using it to support its submission to the Queensland Government.
The next step is for carers’ experiences to help guide future policy and recognition that means local voices can help shape how unpaid caring is valued across Queensland.
Carers can register for a community consultation session or complete the online survey through the Carers Queensland website.
